Hair Salon Permit Requirements in Philadelphia, PA
Complete permit and license guide for starting a hair salon in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania.
Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Last verified: .
Philadelphia / Philadelphia County Requirements
4 requirementsCommercial Activity License
Issued by the Philadelphia Department of Licenses & Inspections (L&I), this is the foundational business license required for operating a hair salon in Philadelphia. All commercial operations must hold this license.
Zoning Permit
Required from Philadelphia L&I to confirm that your salon location is properly zoned for commercial salon use. The zoning review ensures the property is compliant with the Philadelphia Zoning Code before the business can legally operate.
Certificate of Occupancy
Issued by Philadelphia L&I after inspection of the physical premises. Required for any new business occupying a commercial space or when significant renovations are made. Confirms the space meets safety and building code standards.
Philadelphia Health Department Salon Inspection
Philadelphia Department of Public Health conducts sanitation inspections of cosmetology establishments to ensure compliance with health and safety standards, including proper sterilization of tools and sanitary conditions.
Pennsylvania State Requirements
3 requirementsPA Cosmetology Shop License
Required from the Pennsylvania Department of State Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs (BPOA). All cosmetology establishments in Pennsylvania must hold a shop license in addition to individual practitioner licenses. Covers the physical salon location.
Individual Cosmetologist License
Each cosmetologist, barber, or esthetician working in the salon must hold a valid Pennsylvania individual license issued by the PA State Board of Cosmetology under BPOA. Requires completion of approved training hours and passing state board exams.
PA Sales Tax License
Required by the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue if the salon sells retail products (shampoo, conditioner, styling products). Services themselves are generally not subject to PA sales tax, but retail sales are.
Federal Requirements
1 requirementEIN (Employer Identification Number)
Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS.
Official Sources
Get your personalized permit checklist
Find out exactly which permits and licenses your hair salon needs in Philadelphia, PA — with costs, timelines, and official links.
Get Your Permit Report — $9.99Related Guides
Other business types in Philadelphia, PA
- Auto Repair Shop Permit Requirements in Philadelphia, PA
- Barber Shop Permit Requirements in Philadelphia, PA
- Bookkeeping Permit Requirements in Philadelphia, PA
- Catering Business Permit Requirements in Philadelphia, PA
- Cleaning Service Permit Requirements in Philadelphia, PA
- Home Daycare Permit Requirements in Philadelphia, PA